Robbers steal treasures from French cathedral

The thieves took the cathedral's many chalices, crosses and other ceremonial objects

Last updated: November 05, 2019 | 10:33

Compiled by Christian Borbon, Digital Content Producer

2 MIN READ

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Robbers rammed their car into the mediaeval cathedral sawing through metal bars to grab silver chalices and other irreplaceable church treasures, local authorities said.

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A man stands inside the chapel where treasures had been kept inside Sainte-Marie cathedral in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, near Pau, southwestern France

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Empty display stands in the chapel where treasures had been kept inside Sainte-Marie cathedral.

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A sawn steel grid and the chapel where treasures had been kept inside Sainte-Marie cathedral.

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The treasures had been kept in a chapel, behind a steel grid.

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The Sainte-Marie cathedral in Oloron-Sainte-Marie is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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French Member of Parliament Jean Lassalle talks to press in Sainte-Marie cathedral after a robbery, in Oloron-Sainte-Marie.

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People make an inventory of treasures and relics inside Sainte-Marie cathedral in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, near Pau, southwestern France, after a robbery

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Mayor of Oloron-Sainte-Marie Herve Lucbereilh (L) talks to press in Sainte-Marie cathedral after a robbery.

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